Blackpool police noticed a barrage of comments from social media users after it issued an appeal on Facebook to identify an alleged thief bearing a striking resemblance to Ross Geller, a character played by David Schwimmer in the sitcom Friends. Reports state that the police department had posted a picture of the suspect, showing him leaving a restaurant carrying a crate of cans. Shortly after the post, many Facebook users were quick to point out that the suspect looked like the "spitting image" of Schwimmer's character in the popular American sitcom. There were many who made Friends-related puns in the comments section and shared Ross Geller's quotes from the 90s' series.

Screenshot of the Blackpool Police post.

"I don't think it's been this guy's day, his week, his month or even his year," Facebook user Nick Croston wrote in the comments, while another user Olly Byrne quipped: "I'm surprised you've not found him... it's like you're always stuck in second gear." Another wrote: “Shouldn’t he be at work … or is he on a break?” Another posted: “I bet he was shouting ‘PIVOT’ as he picked those beers up.”

While Jay Murdoch wrote: "Apparently the police had him cornered then he performed a pivot manoeuvre and escaped." Craig Thompson added: "I saw him behind me in the shop around that time.. just as I was paying for MY SANDWICH."

Screenshot from Blackpool Police Facebook page

The post received over 50,000 comments within minutes, with some referencing a Friends episode where Ross says he is an expert in self-defense: "Please approach with caution. He is known to have studied karate and we believe he has mastered the art of Unagi, the state of total awareness.” Shortly after the comments, Lancashire Constabulary police officials replied saying they appreciated the speedy response of Facebook users but they established that Schwimmer was not in the UK at the time of the incident.

Facebook users making Friends reference in the comments.

"Thank you to everyone for your speedy responses. We have investigated this matter thoroughly and have confirmed that David Schwimmer was in America on this date," the police department wrote.

"We're so sorry it has to be this way," it added.

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MEAWW is an initialism for Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide. We are one of the world’s fastest growing
media-tech companies with hubs around the world. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of
reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader.